A record 42 NBA scouts will on the lookout for the NBL's best emerging talent this week, with 26 out of the 30 NBA clubs to be represented at the Blitz. 

The Gold Coast-based pre-season tournament will see the league's elite talent put their best foot forward, with the opportunity to recognised by some of the biggest clubs in the world. 

Sam Venecie, NBA reporter for the Athletic, has provided an insight into exactly what scouts will be looking for at the Blitz. 

“In terms of the NBA for me right now, skills and strategy are the two most important things,” Venecie told basketball royalties Chris Anstey and Mark Worthington on the Hasbeen Hoops podcast.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The NBL Blitz kicks off tomorrow at 5pm ?<br><br>Check out the full schedule below ??<br><br>Don’t miss out on the action, purchase tickets now ?? <a href="https://t.co/7fwWn1T0U0">https://t.co/7fwWn1T0U0</a> <a href="https://t.co/2zyXt23jUg">pic.twitter.com/2zyXt23jUg</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1702491971292664318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With the NBL set to reach new heights this season, the current crop of Next Stars is sure to spark the interest of many, with Melbourne United star Ariel Hukporti among those looking to impress. 

“He has been a guy on the NBA radar since he was 17. He was always very heavy, but when he got to Australia he has done some incredible work on his frame and added the explosiveness that was missing from his game,” Vecenie said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/3gr7zfl1ti">https://t.co/3gr7zfl1ti</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1702504037793636441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hukporti didn't play at all last season due to an achilles injury, but is set to bounce back in NBL24. 

Perth Wildcats Next Star, Alexandre Sarr is already high in NBA projections – after an explosive run against the G League Ignite. 

The 7’1 big man hit 43 points across the two games to shoot up the order in experts' mock drafts, while the likes of Trentyn Flowers, Bobi Klintman and AJ Johnson will no doubt be ready to push their case. 

“Having that ability to have real skill level and be able to process what you are doing on the court, I think are paramount,”  Vecenie said. 

“So, can they play the game at a high level, but can also think the game at a high level?” 

RELATED: Your home for NBL Next Stars

The Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz tips-off on Saturday, September 16 on the Gold Coast.

Catch all the Blitz action, live and free on Kayo Freebies.